Identifying Knowledge Gaps
A crucial first step in the research process is identifying areas that have not yet been fully explored. Selecting a topic that addresses an unanswered question in your clinical practice or academic field increases the relevance and impact of your work. It also enhances the likelihood that your study will contribute meaningfully to evidence-based practice and be considered for publication. Completing an entire project only to discover that the topic has already been thoroughly studied, or that your research does not reflect real-world practice, can limit the usefulness and application of your findings. For this reason, identifying a clear knowledge gap—an issue or problem that has not been adequately addressed—is essential before finalizing your research topic or question.
You may wonder, How do I select a research topic or question? While experienced researchers often have a well-defined area they want to investigate, novice researchers may find it challenging to identify original and meaningful research ideas. Three effective ways to uncover knowledge gaps include seeking guidance from experts, exploring published literature, and searching research databases.
-
Seek guidance from experienced researchers or clinical practitioners:
Discussing clinical issues or research interests with mentors, instructors, or experienced nurses can help generate ideas and clarify your thinking. These conversations may highlight areas where further study is needed or reveal limitations in your initial approach. -
Find inspiration in published literature:
Reading widely in your area of interest—especially recent articles and textbooks—allows you to understand what researchers have already accomplished. As you review the literature, you may identify unanswered questions, inconsistencies, or emerging issues that represent opportunities for new research. -
Search research databases for relevant articles:
Academic databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science allow you to examine research trends within your field. Reviewing what has been published helps you determine whether your idea is truly novel and whether a knowledge gap exists that your research can address.
Working With Research Librarians and Nursing Databases
Research in nursing is strengthened by effective literature searching. Research librarians are key members of the academic support team and can help students and researchers develop efficient, focused, and comprehensive search strategies.
Librarians can assist with:
· identifying appropriate databases for nursing research
· refining research questions into searchable concepts
· developing effective keyword combinations
· using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to improve search accuracy
· locating peer-reviewed and high-quality evidence sources
Commonly used nursing and health-related databases include:
· CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) · PubMed / MEDLINE
· Cochrane Library
· Scopus
· Web of Science
Example Search Strategy
A basic search string might look like: (nursing OR “health care”) AND (disparities OR equity OR “social determinants”)
This type of structured approach helps narrow large amounts of information into relevant, focused results.
Students are encouraged to view librarians not as external support, but as integral partners in the research process who help strengthen the quality and efficiency of evidence-based inquiry.
Remixed from:
- An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate Health Profession Students by Bunmi Malau-Aduli and Faith Alele (2023), published under a CC BY NC 4.0 license.
References
Alele, F., & Malau-Aduli, B. (2023, February 22). 2.2 Identifying knowledge gap. An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate Health Profession Students. https://jcu.pressbooks.pub/intro-res-methods-health/chapter/2-2-identifying-knowledge-gap/